LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – In about a week the Cajundome will begin major reconstruction, which unfortunately means, no more hockey this season for the Louisiana Icegators. Monday, the Louisiana Icegators announced on facebook that the 2016-2017 season will be suspended. The announcement comes just days before the Cajundome begins major reconstruction. Cajundome Director Greg Davis said due to the six month renovation period, they just were not able to accomodate space for games.

“The louisiana Icegators did about 28 games on average. We will be closed for about six months, so those games will not be available.”

Icegators General Manager Louis Dumont said he hates to let fans down.

“It’s sad to see it not here for next season. I feel bad for all the people that supported us. It has meant a great deal to the community over the past 15 years.”

While not having a team will hurt the community, Davis said it will also have a big impact on the Cajundome economically.

“They have had a finicial impact on the Cajundome. They pay a rental fee to use the facility, they also reinburst us for our out of pocket cost, and then you have the concession revenues and the box office revenues. So we will have to make some adjustments to our operating budget.”

Davis said he hates the team won’t be hitting the ice this season, but he assures Cajundome visitors the overall improvements to the dome will be worth waiting for.

“The entire arena bowl is being renovated. The lights are being changed. The entire feel at live events in the arena bowl will be totally different. It is going to be bigger, better and nicer!”

The Cajundome will officially begin construction on May 23rd.